Page 74 of Knot on the Market

"Julian," she whimpers, her hands fisting in my hair, trying to pull me back down to her throat. "Please, bite me, claim me, make me yours?—"

"Shh, love," I murmur against her skin, my voice soft despite the strain of resisting every instinct I have. "You're not thinking clearly right now. When your heat breaks, when you can think straight, then we'll talk about claiming. But not now." I press another tender kiss to her forehead. "I won't take that choice from you, no matter how much we both want it."

She makes a sound of protest, but I can see understanding flicker in her eyes. Even through the heat-haze, some part of her recognizes the wisdom in waiting.

Carefully, I shift us both so she's lying on her side, still locked to me but more comfortable. I stroke her sweat-dampened hair back from her face, watching as exhaustion begins to creep into her features. The intensity of her heat and orgasm is taking its toll, and I can see her eyelids growing heavy.

"Stay with me a little longer, love," I murmur, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "You need to eat and drink something before you rest."

"Callum," I say without looking away from her face. "Water. Now. And one of those energy bars I left at the door."

I hear him moving, the sound of a bottle being opened, and then he's back beside us with cool water and food. Heat isexhausting for omegas, she'll need to stay hydrated and fed to get through this safely.

"Small sips," I instruct, helping her drink. "Not too much at once."

She obeys without question, trusting me to know what's best even as her body trembles with aftershocks around my knot. The sight of her submitting so completely to my care does something profound to my chest, not just arousal, though that's definitely present, but a deeper satisfaction. The contentment that comes from being exactly what someone needs.

Dean reappears in the doorway, his uniform disheveled from moving quickly. "Called in for three days. Williams didn't ask questions—just told me to take care of what needs taking care of." His gaze lands on us, locked together, and something hungry flashes across his face. "Maeve's handling food. Said she'll have groceries delivered later today, and prepared meals for the next few days."

"Good," I manage, though talking is difficult when Lila keeps clenching around my knot. "She'll understand what we need."

"How long do knots usually last?" Dean asks, settling carefully on the edge of the nest.

"Varies," I answer, stroking Lila's sweat-dampened hair. "Could be twenty minutes, could be longer. But she needs rest more than anything right now."

Dean nods, understanding. Even knotted and temporarily satisfied, her heat isn't finished, but her body needs time to recover between rounds.

"Sleep, love," I murmur, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "We'll be right here when you wake up."

She nods against my chest, her breathing gradually evening out as endorphins flood her system. Within minutes, she's asleep, making soft, sweet sounds as she dreams. Her bodyfinally relaxes completely, though I can smell the heat still simmering beneath the surface.

"We need to talk," I say quietly, my voice low enough not to wake her. "About the claiming instinct."

Dean and Callum both look at me with immediate understanding.

"If any of us feels like we're losing control, like we might bite her without thinking, you say something. Immediately." I stroke her hair as she sighs in her sleep. "We pull each other back. Whatever it takes. She needs to make that choice with a clear head."

"Understood," Callum says roughly, his eyes fixed on her peaceful face.

"Same goes," Dean adds. "We're stronger together. We can keep each other grounded."

My knot gradually deflates over the next hour as we keep vigil. We take turns checking her temperature with gentle touches, making sure she's not overheating. She makes little sounds in her sleep, soft whimpers and sighs that tug at something protective in my chest.

When I finally slip free, the movement stirs her from sleep. Her eyes flutter open, immediately cloudy with renewed heat, and she whimpers at the emptiness I've left behind. Her inner walls flutter, clenching desperately around nothing as her body seeks what it needs.

"Callum," I say simply, and he doesn't need any other instruction.

He's already moving, stripping off his clothes with quick, efficient movements before settling between her thighs with careful reverence. His broad, naked form fills the space perfectly, all lean muscle and careful strength.

She stirs at the sound of movement, her eyes fluttering open with renewed heat and need. "Callum," she breathes, her gaze traveling over his bare chest with obvious appreciation.

"Hey, sweetheart," Callum murmurs, his voice rough but gentle as he leans down to press soft kisses to her jaw, her cheek. "You're so beautiful like this. So perfect."

Her hands come up to explore his chest, fingers tracing the defined muscles with wonder. "God, I knew you were strong, but this..." she whispers, pressing her palms flat against his pecs. "All hidden under those flannel shirts and t-shirts. You're incredible."

His lips find hers in a tender kiss that makes her melt beneath him, and she kisses him back desperately, her hands fisting in his hair. "Gonna take care of you," he promises against her mouth.

But as the kiss deepens, her need becomes overwhelming. She whimpers against his lips, her hips lifting restlessly. "Callum, please. I need you now. Need you inside me."

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